LEH: Renowned innovator and social activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared March to Pashmina Land in Ladakh, rallying against encroachments on their land by solar companies and Chinese forces, while demanding local governance and climate justice.
After completing his 21-day Climate Fast, Wangchuk joined Ladakhi women in Leh today to spearhead a march towards the Pashmina pasturelands under threat.
He drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance, emphasizing the need for Satyagraha, or holding onto truth.
Wangchuk cited the broken promises of the Indian government to safeguard indigenous communities' rights under the six schedules of the Constitution, highlighting Ladakh's lack of democratic representation and the dominance of bureaucrats appointed from New Delhi.
The planned Pashmina march on April 7th aims to shed light on the plight of Ladakhi herder communities losing their land to industrial projects and Chinese encroachments.
Wangchuk declared their readiness to confront any attempts to block their movement, asserting that transparency in land management is crucial.
This movement has galvanized thousands of young people to join the cause, with simultaneous eco marches planned across the country on April 7th.
Wangchuk's call for action resonates with those advocating for sustainable development and the preservation of indigenous rights.
As Sonam Wangchuk leads the charge for climate justice and local governance in Ladakh, the nation watches, poised to witness the outcome of this powerful grassroots movement.
